Glucosamine for Dogs: 3 Key Benefits

The science is in: dogs are structurally adorable. How can you resist those long, fluffy bodies resting on tiny short legs with those tails curled at attention? Unfortunately, while visually appealing, dog anatomy is not ideal when it comes to strain on the joints. It’s likely your dog may suffer from joint tenderness, which may prevent your pup from living life to the fullest. Luckily, there are a host of natural products that support joint health so that you can enjoy all that cuteness guilt-free. One such joint supplement is glucosamine, an all-natural compound that’s derived from shellfish. Including a glucosamine supplement in your pup’s diet may nurture her joints and bones, all while enhancing her mobility and energy—and more.¹ Read on for a breakdown on what glucosamine is all about (and how to best include a supplement in your pet’s routine).

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a compound that’s naturally produced in both humans and dogs.² It’s a key component in cartilage, the connective tissue that:

• Acts as a cushion for joints to support mobility
• Builds up those tough but bendy body parts like ears and noses

Unlike the healthy fatty acids found in fish oil, our bodies may produce a certain amount of glucosamine naturally, but it’s nearly impossible to find glucosamine in food—and, consequently, to increase our consumption of it through diet. Most glucosamine dietary supplements come in the form of soft chews and are made from chitin, a substance found in the hard outer shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. But don’t worry—there are other options on the market if your dog is allergic to shellfish.

How Does Glucosamine Work?

Glucosamine works by nourishing cell health—particularly a specific type of cell called chondrocytes. Chondrocytes produce collagen, as well as a “matrix” (molecules that form a jelly-like structure between cells).³ Then, the chondrocytes embed themselves in this jelly in order to build cartilage, improving joint care. Taking a glucosamine supplement may boost the natural activity of these chondrocytes, thus supporting cartilage production, resilience, and health which are vital for the body's connective tissue.

The Benefits of Glucosamine for Dogs

Glucosamine offers a variety of benefits for pups of all shapes and sizes. Here are three of its primary perks:

#1 Encourages Healthy Joints and Cartilage Health

Glucosamine’s leading benefit as a supplement for dogs is its ability to support joint and cartilage health. The joint mobility, flexibility and the strength of your cartilage—as well as your dog’s—naturally declines with time. Deemed a chondroprotective compound, glucosamine may help, as it can bolster the health specifically of articular cartilage—the springy stuff that keeps joints from grinding against bone, reducing joint pain.⁴ At the same time, it may help lubricate and hydrate your pup’s joints by regulating synovial fluid.⁵ By providing your dog with the proper supplements for joint support, you can ensure their joint function remains in peak condition, reducing the likelihood of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Additionally, glucosamine may organically promote joint cartilage health by nourishing chondrocyte function and inspiring collagen production. In turn, your dog may experience enhanced mobility—and the desire to run, jump, and play that often comes with it, which can be especially beneficial for overweight pets.

#2 Provides Recovery Support

A glucosamine supplement may be prescribed to help your pet recover from surgery, particularly surgeries involving bones, joints, or spinal discs. By urging healthy cartilage production and joint movement, glucosamine can help your pet get back to what she’s passionate about (i.e. fetch, chasing squirrels). Their recovery may be further enhanced by also giving them collagen supplements.

#3 Elevates Physical Performance

For performance dogs (dogs that compete in a sport or activity), glucosamine can be introduced to potentially enrich athletic performance. By encouraging your dog’s recovery after sports and easing the strain on joints that comes with exercise, you may be able to prolong your best friend’s athletic career.

Is Glucosamine in Food?

As mentioned, there’s one catch with glucosamine: While humans and animals naturally produce it, it’s found in very few foods. That’s why the best way to increase your dog’s glucosamine levels is with an all-natural daily supplement. As we also mentioned, most glucosamine found in supplements is sourced from shellfish. Fortunately, you can purchase lab-produced glucosamine supplements if your dog has a shellfish allergy. If you’re unsure, bring your pup to the vet for a routine allergy test. Glucosamine supplements are completely natural and safe for almost all dogs. However, there are some minor side effects and precautions to be aware of when choosing a supplement that’s right for your pet.

Glucosamine Supplement Side Effects and Precautions

Below are some unlikely side effects that have been observed in very few of the canine patients studied on glucosamine supplements:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Allergies (particularly among dogs with a known shellfish allergy)
• Excessive thirst and/or urination (especially at high doses)

Moreover, glucosamine supplements may not be right for dogs that have the following pre-existing conditions

• Diabetic dogs (glucosamine contains sugar)
• Dogs with asthma or bronchoconstriction (glucosamine may make such conditions worse)
• Dogs on low-potassium diets, typically to alleviate kidney conditions (glucosamine contains significant amounts of potassium)
• Pregnant or lactating dogs (safety has not been evaluated)

If your dog meets any of the above criteria, consult your vet before introducing a glucosamine supplement to his regime. There’s a possibility glucosamine may still be safe in moderation, but it’s best practice to get a professional opinion.

Glucosamine Supplement Dosage and Frequency

In general, you should also consult your vet before choosing a glucosamine dosage for your pup. Dogs can take glucosamine supplements daily, but the dosage depends on your pup’s weight. Here are some general guidelines⁶:

• Dogs 5-20 pounds: 250 mg per day
• Dogs 20-45 pounds: 500 mg per day
• Dogs 45-90 pounds: 1,000 mg per day
• Dogs over 90 pounds: 1,500 mg per day

Be sure to weigh your pet to account for any fluctuations, and check every ingredient of multivitamins and supplements to make sure the dosage corresponds with your pet’s weight.

Glucosamine Sulfate vs. Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Some supplements contain “glucosamine sulfate” while others contain “glucosamine hydrochloride.” Glucosamine hydrochloride is simply a more diluted version of glucosamine sulfate (and has less clinically proven power to support joint health and provide other benefits). While both are safe and found in many supplements, we recommend choosing glucosamine sulfate for its proven benefits at addressing joint problems.

Signs Your Dog is Experiencing Joint Issues

If you’re debating investing in a glucosamine supplement or related products and are unsure if your pup is experiencing joint issues, there are certain signs and symptoms to look out for⁷:

• Limping
• Licking, chewing, or biting at the affected joints (i.e. “wrists” and “ankles”)
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Depression
• Stiffness
• Slipping when trying to move

It can be painful to watch your furry friend suffer from joint problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pup to the vet to ask about glucosamine and to make sure he’s not dealing with a more serious issue, like arthritis or TMJ.

Other Ways to Treat Joint Problems in Dogs

There are other methods to naturally promote your dog’s joint health in addition to a glucosamine supplement. Start by helping your dog stay in shape to reduce the pressure of excess weight on his joints (frequent exercise and a healthy diet are the first steps to take). You can also support your dog’s joint and cartilage health by:

• Using ramps instead of stairs when possible—dogs like to jump down the last few steps, which causes a shock to the joints (and can often add up).

• Helping your dog stretch (gently), or ask your vet about strength and balance exercises.

There are other joint-healthy supplements to investigate as well, such as collagen for dogs, hyaluronic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, the amino acid proline, and chondroitin (often taken in tandem with glucosamine—a carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water and stay lubricated).

ALL-IN—Empowering Furry Best Friends To Live Their Best Life

Due to their anatomy, it’s common for dogs to experience joint complications, regardless of their breed or age. Thankfully, there’s a way to naturally support your pup’s joint health (and your own peace of mind). Vetericyn’s ALL-IN dog supplement contains all the daily nutrients your puppy, dog, or senior dog needs to thrive. ALL-IN is a holistic supplement that will help keep your pet healthy and relaxed. This is because ALL-IN’s blend helps reinforce bone health, promote mobility, and support overall joint health. Keeping your dog’s joints and cartilage strong will help you focus on more important things, like admiring their structural adorableness. After all, strong cartilage means a more frequently wagging tail. So, invest in Vetericyn. From joints and bones to muscles and fur, and from immune system function to heart and cognitive function, Vetericyn can support it all.

Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle

Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.

Sources:

1. American Kennel Club. Can glucosamine for dogs help treat arthritis and joint pain? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/glucosamine-dogs-arthritis-joint-pain/
2. Mount Sinai. Glucosamine. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/glucosamine
3. National Library of Medicine. Histology, Chondrocytes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557576/
4. OrthoInfo. Articular cartilage restoration. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/articular-cartilage-restoration/
5. Very Well Health. Improving and increasing synovial fluid. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-increase-synovial-fluid-5114374
6. Veterinarians.org. Your guide to glucosamine for dogs: benefits and dosage. https://www.veterinarians.org/glucosamine-for-dogs/
7. Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital & Hospitality Center. Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs: Types, Causes and Treatment. https://www.denvervet.com/site/blog/2021/07/15/signs-of-joint-pain-in-dogs
8. Cornell University. How joint supplements can help with orthopedic conditions. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/how-joint-supplements-can-help-orthopedic-conditions
9. Healthline. Does glucosamine work? Benefits, dosage, and side effects. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glucosamine#other-uses
10. Arthritis Foundation. Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/glucosamine-chondroitin-osteoarthritis-pain
11. VCA Animal Hospitals. Glucosamine chondroitin combination. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/glucosamine